2013 Ram features from-the-ground-up changes

Upgraded ’13 Ram 1500 unveiled

Ram Brand’s newly introduced 2013 1500 pickup may strongly favor its predecessor, but a close look reveals major changes.

“What was supposed to be a typical refresh turned out to be, for all intents and purposes, an all-new truck,” said Fred Diaz, president and CEO of Ram Truck Brand.

The reason the 2013 Ram design favors the previous model, Diaz said, is because “research said don’t screw up the styling.” Many of the changes were to address the No. 1 priority — miles per gallon, he said, and “we will be best in class from a fuel economy standpoint.” This top fuel economy is with the Pentastar V-6, but “ditto later for the V-8.”

The new 3.6-liter V-6 with variable-valve timing delivers 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque — 42 percent more horsepower, 13 percent more torque and at least 20 percent better fuel economy compared to the previous 3.7-liter V-6. Fuel economy figures and truck pricing will be announced later.

A key powertrain enhancement is a new V-6-standard eight-speed TourqueFlite 8 automatic transmission. It boosts drivability and fuel efficiency by doubling the amount of gears of the previous four-speed automatic transmission.

“It feels like a good V-8,” said Mike Cairns, chief Ram engineer. Cairns said a high-efficiency Ram model will be available with a stop-start feature that will increase fuel economy by 1 mpg. There isn’t a hesitation when launching from a stop, Cairns said, because a slight brake-pressure drop-off fires up the engine before the foot reaches the gas pedal. Also, the engine won’t repeatedly shut down in creeping traffic below 8 mph, and the driver has the option to shut off the stop-start function.

The 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 also will be available with the new eight-speed transmission. The V-8 with the fuel-saving cylinder shut-off produces 395 horsepower and 407 lb.-ft. of torque, and provides at least 20 percent better fuel economy than its predecessor.

Replacing the traditional gearshift lever is a more-civilized rotary e-shift dial. Located on the center stack, it enables quick transitions from “Reverse” to “Drive.”

The introduction of electric power steering eliminates the hydraulic pump, resulting in boosting horsepower and fuel efficiency.

The ’13 Ram sits on a new-design frame, Hegbloom said, with reduced weight and improved rigidity. Also saving weight are front-suspension aluminum upper and lower control arms, and an aluminum hood.

New for 2013 is the availability of an air-suspension with five settings, which adds up to 4 inches of lift span.

Engineers also addressed the problem of “cooling drag” from Ram’s large grille, which negatively affects fuel economy. The solution is active grille shutters — Venetian-blind-like shutters with varying pitch that can close in conjunction with the engine controller to enhance aerodynamics.

A redesigned grille was a key part of the designers’ solution to the question: “How can we make it more Ram?,” said Joe Dehner, head of Ram design.

As part of a complete front-end change, the grille was made taller and given a fresh interpretation of the signature Ram crosshair design. The crossing point of the more-sculpted bars is home for an updated Ram badge. Grille texture also is more eye-grabbing, and varies with models.

The front bumper and airdam have been redesigned, and new vertically oriented foglamps have a greater output. The quad headlamps are a fresh design with improved light spread and distance. Taillamps are upgraded with a premium look standard on Sport (black-chrome inner bezel) and Laramie Longhorn models.

Enhancing aerodynamics and functionality are “wheel-to-wheel” polished stainless-steel running boards. Their extra length gives a platform to stand on to access the bed.

Crew Cab models will be offered with a 6-foot-4-inch bed with RamBox availability. RamBoxes can be locked, along with the doors and tailgate, with a single push of a remote button.

Upgrades inside the cab come via “pulling Longhorn luxury into the ’13 interior,” said lead interior designer Ryan Nagode. Door handles, gauge cluster and center stack are more integrated, Nagode said, and color, trim cloth and use of leather have improved. With the e-shift replacing the console shifter, models with bucket seats have additional storage capacity.

For 2013, the 3.5-inch vehicle information center screen, which displays vehicle operating functions, is standard on ST and SLT models. A new 7-inch screen in the gauge cluster, allowing information to be personalized, is standard on Sport, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn models, and available on SLT. The ’13 Ram features the next-generation 8.4-inch Uconnect system with background screens tailor-made to specific Ram models and themes.